WASHINGTON — The streets were barren and quiet as Peoria police Officer James Feehan drove through devastated Washington subdivisions Sunday night. There was no noise as he drove — except one.

"When we drove past the leveled homes, there was nothing, but when we passed by homes that were still standing, you could hear the chirping of smoke detectors," he said. "It was eerie."

The veteran officer was called out to help with security after the tornado, part of the first contingent of Peoria city police dispatched to assist at the scene of the devastation. He arrived at 4 p.m. and left by 10 p.m. Nothing happened, he said, as he drove through the area. While debris littered the yards, the streets were clear.

It also was on that cold, brisk night he learned of his friend's death, so far the only fatality linked to the Washington EF-4 tornado. Feehan said Steve Neubauer, 51, of Washington was a "great guy." He knew of Neubauer through the East Peoria Boat Club and considered him a friend.

"We were thinking if that happened, then who else might be trapped out there and if so, how do we go and get them," Feehan said. "It's just … amazing. … I have never seen anything like it in my life."

About 20 Peoria police officers were in Washington on Sunday along with other law enforcement from throughout the region who responded to a message for assistance. Some city officers arrived on their own, while the city initially dispatched a lieutenant and five other officers, said Peoria police Capt. Mike Scally.

"Some of them helped assist with the search of the rubble," Scally said.

In the days since then, between 12 and 15 Peoria officers have remained in Washington around the clock.

"Basically, where we're at now is traffic control, blocking stuff off and keeping things secure," Scally said. "We've been maintaining the perimeter."

Bartonville police officers also participated in the initial response to the devastation in Washington, according to Chief Brian Fengel. Three full-time officers and three auxiliary officers doubled up in three squad cars to provide traffic control at major intersections near the damaged areas.

Authorities in Tazewell County put a call out on the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System within minutes of the tornado touching down, and Bartonville officers were on the scene within an hour, Fengel said.

They remained in their role of traffic control until relieved by the National Guard, then patrolled the damaged areas into the night. Bartonville officers have not been called back out since, but stand ready to assist if necessary.